"KICK" Start to Early Literacy

support report

SUPPORTING EARLY LITERACY

United Way of Hernando County's Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and prepare them for kindergarten. All proceeds from this the "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament will benefit United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) program, currently providing over 1,050 Hernando children with a free book every month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.

Event Timeline Follow Event


Kickball Player

2024 Team Line-Up: 

  1. Barrette Outdoor Living - "BARRETTE KNIGHTS"
  2. Coastal Engineering - "KICKS & GIGGLES"
  3. Timber Pines - "HAMMER JAMMERS"
  4. Publix #1871 - "187-WON"
  5. Regions Bank - "BALLS OF FURY"
  6. Publix #1282 - "KEVIN'S KICKERS"
  7. Withlacoochee River Electric Coop. - "WRECKING CREW"
  8. Tampa General Hospital - "ONE KICK WONDERS"
  9. Publix #1198 - "GLEN LAKERS"
  10. Publix #457 - "RIKI'S ROCKETS"
  11. Publix #1132 - "BROOKSVILLE SKILLZ"
  12. Downtown Athletics - "TANGERINE DREAM TEAM"
  13. HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital - "LIFESAVERS"
  14. Rivera's Kitchen & Flooring - "RIVERA'S KICKIN' KITCHENEERS"
  15. Clerk of Circuit Court - "THE MIGHTY DOUGS"
  16. Hernando County School District - "SAVED BY THE BALL"

team announcement


Kickball Coach

2024 Celebrity Coaches:

  1. Christa Tanner - City of Brooksville, Vice Mayor
  2. Dr. Lauren Dedea - Dedea M.D. Family Medicine
  3. Dr. Amy Anderson - Pasco-Hernando State College, SH Provost
  4. Blake Bell - City of Brooksville, Mayor
  5. Paul Hasenmeier - Hernando County Fire Rescue, Fire Chief
  6. Sheriff Al Neinhuis - Hernando County Sheriff's Office
  7. John Stratton - Hernando County School District, Superintendent
  8. Brian Hawkins - Hernando County Government, County Commissioner
  9. Dr. Brian Dahmer - Family Chiropractic Center For Wellness
  10. Joel Fritton - Circuit Court Judge
  11. Doug Chorvat Jr. - Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller
  12. Brian Brijbag - Brijbag Law
  13. Jerry Campbell - Hernando County Government, County Commissioner
  14. Marvelous Marvin - Hits 106
  15. Dave DeCarlo - Hernando County Emergency Management Director
  16. Brittany Montmarquet - Publix Super Markets, HR

celeb coach

 


Food Trucks:

Spice Corner     brain freeze    Murph Coffee   

 love corndog    cali street    icecream barr

Entertainment:        

Music by PJ the DJ

Trucks: 

Hernando County Fire Rescue - Ladder Truck & Smoke Mobile

Hernando County Mosquito Control - Amphibious ARGO Vehicle 

 


Individual and Business Sponsorships are available for anyone interested in investing in a child’s future. Your donation will enroll children onto the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program where free books will be mailed directly to their homes every month from birth to age 5.

Business Sponsorships:                                                                                 2024kickball

Get your business involved and make a difference in the lives of thousands of youth in Hernando.

  • Presenting Sponsors | Grand Slam Champions: Tampa General Spring Hill/Brooksville
  • Field Sponsors | Home Run Heroes: HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, Brijbag Law, Carter Foreman, Kiwanis Club of Brooksville
  • Kickball Sponsor | Base Run Ballers:
    -Micro Matic

    -Grow Financial
    -Family Chiropractic
    -Comfort Control Specialists
    -Allstate

  • Yard Sign Sponsor - Double Play!
    Sponsorship Recognition Packages
  • Click Here to pay online!

Individual Scholarships:

Questions? Please contact the United Way office 352-688-2026 or email Justine at impact@unitedwayhernando.org

  TGH Spring hill​        TGH Brooksville

Honoring Our Past. Transforming Our Future.

With a long legacy as one of the nation’s leading academic medical centers, TGH aims to make world-class health care available to as many Floridians as possible. To better meet the needs of the Sunshine State’s growing population and broaden access to our specialized services, we have expanded our geographic footprint to include Hernando and Citrus Counties. Representing a unification of community health care and groundbreaking innovation, TGH North is well-positioned to enhance the health and lives of residents of Brooksville, Crystal River, Spring Hill and the surrounding areas.

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kiwanis

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world, one child and one community at a time. Kiwanians are volunteers changing the world through service to children and communities. Kiwanis members help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged, and care for the sick. They develop youth as leaders, build playgrounds, raise funds for pediatric research, and much more. No problem is too big or too small. Why? Because working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed, great things happen!

 

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carter foreman

A Reputation You Can Trust

Due to our long and consistent track record of achieving results for individuals, families and businesses, Carter Foreman PLLC, has emerged as a preeminent Florida law firm. Our trusted name stands for exceptional service in even the most challenging matters such as high-net-worth divorces, complex business transactions and alternatives to real estate foreclosures.

 

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                  Real Estate Law          Family Law          Personal Injury    Estate Planning   Business & Commercial   Criminal Defense

Here For Our Clients And Our Community

We are known for more than our outstanding history of success. We take an active part in local projects and organizations that make positive contributions to our area. We’re dedicated to improving the lives of our clients and others throughout our greater community.

With offices in Hernando and Pasco counties, we are conveniently positioned to serve Spring Hill, New Port Richey and surrounding areas.

Call Carter Foreman PLLC, today at 352-616-7487 to schedule a consultation. We are here for all your legal needs. Contact the local law firm with a trusted name and a reputation for exceptional service.

 

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HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital is committed to offering the Brooksville and Spring Hill communities advanced healthcare services with a compassionate, patient-focused approach. At HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, our experienced and knowledgeable leadership team is committed to improving the quality of care we provide to serve the healthcare needs of our community.

HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital offers our community a wide range of services, such as:

  • Hernando County’s only comprehensive cardiovascular program, including an arrhythmia center and open-heart surgery.
  • The Maternity Suites at HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, which offers advanced labor and delivery capabilities in a comfortable and family-centered setting and Level II NICU services. 
  • 24/7emergency and critical-care services provided by intensivists, hospitalists, radiologists, inpatient pharmacists, resident physicians
  • A dedicated pediatric ER and pediatric inpatient unit
  • Comprehensive orthopedic care and spine care and complimentary pre-surgery education for joint and spine procedures
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brijbag law

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you may be unsure of where to turn for help. A personal injury law firm can provide you with the legal representation you need to seek compensation for your injuries.

An injury attorney can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the party or parties responsible for your injuries. If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be awarded compensatory damages, which are designed to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs. You may also be awarded punitive damages, which are designed to punish the party responsible for your injuries. Contact a Trustworthy Brooksville Car Accident Attorney today. Covering the adventure coast and all of Florida.

It is important to note that personal injury law is complex and can be difficult to navigate. This is why it is essential to have an experienced injury attorney on your side.

Contacts

  • 352-358-5880
  • 1-888-Brijbag
  • 352-358-5817

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micromatic

Micro Matic is dedicated to providing world-class beverage dispense equipment and solutions by focusing on unparalleled product quality and testing, on-time delivery, and world-class customer service.

Their commitment to quality is infused into every aspect of their business. Micro Matic strives for excellence in product performance, value their employees and service partners, and promote causes that contribute to our communities' well-being.

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growfinancial

Products To Suit Every Need. Whether you’re saving up for your next adventure or just managing day-to-day expenses, Grow is here to help. From everyday banking to financial literacy education, we make sure you find the right product or service for where you are in life. It’s one way we put people before profit.

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familychiro

Welcome to Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, your chiropractor in Spring Hill, Hudson, Homosassa, and Brooksville. Our chiropractors provide a full range of health and wellness treatments in six convenient locations. Throughout our website you can explore our chiropractic and massage services and learn more about the benefits and wellness that comes from regular chiropractic treatments. 
 

We use only the best in chiropractic equipment and keep up with the latest innovations in holistic care to provide our patients with a full range of complementary health and wellness treatments. When you choose Family Chiropractic, you can rest assured that you will receive the finest quality care from chiropractic staff who genuinely care for your health and well-being.

We are pleased to offer Wellness & Medical Care

We are honored to provide healing, hope, and health for your entire family through Aligned Integrative Medicine (AIM).

We offer a wide variety of services to suit your wellness and healthcare needs and are proud to provide quality primary care services to patients of all ages suffering from various conditions, illnesses, and/or medical concerns. 

Medical CarePhysical RehabilitationPRP TherapyWellness

Primary Medical Care   Physical Rehabilitation   Activated PRP Therapy   Whole-Body Wellness

 

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comfort control

RATED #1 IN HERNANDO COUNTY

Air Conditioning Repair & Installation

Look no further than Comfort Control Specialists. Our team of experienced technicians is dedicated to providing top-notch air conditioning repair services to Hernando County and the surrounding areas. We understand the importance of a properly functioning AC system, especially during the hot summer months.

That’s why we offer fast, efficient repair services to get your system back up and running in no time. Don’t suffer through the heat – call Comfort Control Specialists for all your comfort needs.                                                                                                                                                                  

 Emergency Service Available      Licensed & Insured      Financing Available      Hundreds of 5 Star Reviews

 

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allstate

Local Allstate Agent: Meet Jason Aldrich

Photo gallery preview    Photo gallery preview    Photo gallery image

At Allstate, Our Shared Purpose is meant to unite us in heart and mind, in word and deed, by signifying what the Company stands for and how we're here for each other. We empower customers with protection. We improve communities. We provide opportunity for our teams. And we create economic value for our shareholders.

Throughout the family of companies, we leverage the unique identities of our customers and each other to build the Allstate of tomorrow, today.

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Location pin icon 10004 Cortez Blvd Spring Hill, FL 34613          Phone icon  Call 24/7 (352) 596-8181

 

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Previous Kickball Champions & Their Impact
  • 2016: "Just Kickin' It" from Publix at Brooksville Square

  • 2017: "Just Kickin' It" from Publix at Brooksville Square

  • 2018: "WRECing Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  • 2019: "WRECing Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

  • 2020: "Brooksville Bombers" from Publix at Brooksville Square & Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers

  • 2021: "WRECing Crew" from Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative, Inc. & Celebrity Coach Jeff Rogers

  • 2022: "Kicking Balls & Taking Listings" from 54 Realty & Celebrity Coach April Johnson-Spence

  • 2023: "Tangerine Dream Team" from Downtown Athletics & Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner

  • 2024: "Barrette Knights" from Barrette Outdoor Living & Celebrity Coach Joel Fritton

 

MEDIA RELEASE
April 12, 2024

 

“Barrette Knights” Crowned 2024 Kickball Champs
United Way of Hernando County raises over 889 1-Year Scholarships, equivalent to 10,668 books, towards Early Literacy at Kickball Tournament

Spring Hill, FL – United Way of Hernando County’s 9th Annual “KICK” Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament was on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Anderson Snow Park - 1360 Anderson Snow Rd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. This tournament was proudly presented by United Way’s “Grand Slam Champion” Sponsor Tampa General Hospital Spring Hill/Brooksville. Each year, 16 Kickball Teams compete in this single elimination tournament for a chance to win the Ultimate Traveling Trophy and have the honor of being crowned “Champions of Early Literacy.” Teams are exclusively invited to participate and represent company partners of United Way in Hernando that align themselves with supporting local initiatives.

The Kickball Tournament's purpose is to support early literacy and continue to provide Hernando preschool children free books to help them grow their own little library and
prepare them for kindergarten. Thanks to supporters of United Way’s "KICK" Start to Early Literacy Kickball Tournament, we were able to raise over 889 1-year scholarships, which
is equivalent to 10,668 books! All proceeds benefit
United Way’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program, currently providing over 1,050 Hernando children with a free book every
month from birth to age of five. The books are mailed directly to enrolled children regardless of their family’s economic status.

After a long afternoon of local Hernando businesses vying for the Ultimate Traveling Trophy, the final matchup came down between Downtown Athletics “Tangerine Dream Team” with Celebrity Coach Christa Tanner and Barrette Outdoor Living’s “Barrette Knights” with Celebrity Coach Joel Fritton. It was a close and intense game, but in the end Barrette Outdoor Living’s “Barrette Knights” were crowned the victors and the 2024 Kickball Champions with a score of 1-0.

Thank you to the other 14 participating teams and their accompanying “Celebrity Coaches” who competed in this year’s event:

  • Dr. Brian Dahmer coaching Tampa General Hospital’s team, “One Kick Wonders”

  • City of Brooksville Mayor Blake Bell coaching Coastal Engineering’s team, “Kicks & Giggles”

  • Attorney Brian Brijbag coaching Rivera’s Flooring, Kitchens, & More’s team, “Rivera’s Kickin’ Kitcheneers”

  • PHSC Provost Dr. Amy Anderson coaching Publix Super Market at Shoppes at Avalon's team, "Kevin's Kickers"

  • Hits 106 Marvelous Marvin coaching Publix Super Market at The Shoppes at Glen Lakes team, "Glen Lakers”

  • Hernando County Board of County Commissioner Brian Hawkins coaching Timber Pine’s team, “Hammer Jammers”

  • Hernando County Emergency Management Director Dave DeCarlo coaching HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital’s team, “LifeSavers”

  • Hernando County Board of County Commissioner Jerry Campbell coaching Regions Bank’s team, “Balls of Fury”

  • Superintendent of Hernando Count Schools John Stratton coaching Hernando School’s team, "Saved By The Ball"

  • Hernando County Fire Chief & Public Safety Director Paul Hasenmeier coaching Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s team "WRECking Crew"

  • Hernando County Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller Doug Chorvat Jr. coaching Clerk of Court’s team, “The Mighty Dougs”

  • Dr. Lauren Dedea from Dedea M.D. Family Medicine coaching Publix Super Market at Brooksville Square's team, "Brooksville Skillz"

  • Sheriff Al Nienhuis coaching Publix Super Market at Hernando West Plaza’s team, "187-WON”

  • Publix’s Brittany Montmarquet coaching Publix Super Market at Lakewood Plaza’s team, "Riki’s Rockets”

The following Celebrity Coaches were voted for a dip in the Dunk Tank by attendees, Brijbag Law’s Brian Brijbag (voted), Board of County Commissioner Jerry Campbell (voted), Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness’s Dr. Brian Dahmer (selected), and Hernando County Fire Chief Paul Hasenmeier (selected). This family fun day included music from PJ the DJ, a Bounce House, Foto Fun Booth, craft vendors, and a special performance of the National Anthem by Hernando’s very own talented singer, Snow Anna Mazourek.

This year’s final line-up for our Food Truck Rally included Spice Corner, Cali Street Tacos, The Ice Cream Barr, Brain Freeze Italian Ice, Love Corn Dogs, Murph Coffee Company! Home Run Hero Field Sponsors included HCA Florida Oak Hill Hospital, Carter Foreman, PLLC, Brijbag Law, and Kiwanis Club of Brooksville. Base Run Baller Sponsors included Micro Matic, Grow Financial, Family Chiropractic Center for Wellness, Comfort Control Specialists, and Allstate by Jason Aldrich. Publix is always recognized by United Way of Hernando County as an active Community Partner thanks to their ongoing level of support towards our mission. The Touch-a-Truck event featured the ARGO amphibious vehicle used by Hernando County Mosquito Control, Fire Rescue’s Ladder Truck, and first responder vehicles for children to enjoy.

Fans and supporters of the event also noticed over 30 cause-brand marketing yard signs from local “Double Play Sponsors” throughout the park that day. Our annual Mascot Fun Run was held on Field #3. The line-up included Smiley of Lifesouth Community Blood Center, Andy the Armadillo of Texas Roadhouse, WWHS Hornet, J.D. Floyd Dolphin, HHS Leopard, Tommy The T-Rex, Pikachu, Plato the Dinosaur of Publix Supermarkets, Carey The Cow, and Scoopie of Culvers. WWHS Hornet took home the gold for this year’s Mascot Fun Run Race!

United Way would also like to thank Hernando County Parks and Recreation, United Way of Hernando County volunteers, Board Members, and Kickball Planning Committee Members for generously donating their time, talents, and efforts to help make this event such a success. Thank you for always #LIVINGUNITED.

Visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Kickball for information on event entertainment, participants, and opportunities. For more ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE, or VOLUNTEER for our future events, contact Justine Peppe at Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org or call 352-688-2026.